Mildred Streby

STREBY, MILDRED J. "MICKEY"

Mildred J. "Mickey" Streby, age 88, died on Thursday, July 25, 2013 from complications following a stroke suffered three years earlier. She was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on January 19, 1925, the oldest child of Francis E. "Ed" Abbey and Helen DeBruin Abbey. In 1942 the family moved to Flint, and on May 21, 1945, she married James E. Streby, who preceded her in death on August 2, 2011. In the late 1950s, she returned to college at the new Flint branch of the University of Michigan, and was a member of the first graduating class in 1960. Thereafter, she pursued a career in elementary education, and taught at Pierce Elementary School and other elementary schools before retiring in 1987. As a teacher, she had a positive impact on the lives of her students, many of whom fondly recall her influence years later. Following her retirement, she worked for many years as a student teacher adviser and private tutor. In her spare time, she was active in the Flint Community Players, and performed leading roles in "Critic's Choice" and "Personal Appearance" in the early 1960s. Later, she was a member of the Sunday Group, an informal monthly gathering of concerned citizens. She was known in the East Court neighborhood where she lived for 51 years for her frequent walks, and frequently penned cogent and incisive letters to the editor of the Flint Journal on topics of local concern. Mickey was an active financial supporter of the University of Michigan-Flint, and was proud that all three of her children graduated from that institution. She is survived by three children: John (Carolyn) Streby, Anne (Gregory) McCarthy, and Paul (Kim) Streby, along with six grandchildren: Erin McCarthy, Adam (Angela) Streby, Kelly (Jason) Mann, Benjamin (Jennie) Streby, Ronan Streby, and Jude Streby, and four great-grandchildren: Emma, Isis, Evan, and Jasper. She is also survived by two brothers, Larry Abbey and Dave Abbey, as well as number of nieces and nephews, friends and acquaintances. Visitation will take place at Brown Funeral Home, 1480 E. Hill Road, Grand Blanc, from 2:00 to 8:00 Sunday, July 28, and on Monday, July 29, from 11:00 to 1:00, followed by the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Michigan-Flint. Condolences may be shared with the family at